The design is inspired by chicken scratch embroidery (also known as depression lace, snowflake embroidery, etc.), a technique used to embroider on gingham fabrics, creating a unique personal expression. The dark and mid tones were created with the Franklinia leaves, which have quite a range of color in the fall, and the light tone is the paper base. Sewing thread was used due to its similar visual weight to the Franklinia veining, creating an interesting relationship between the two. The embroidery patterns were intentionally adjusted to fit within the “gingham” squares, rather than interact with the edges as they would normally in chicken scratch, so that they appear to float within the botanical color field. The illusion of gingham embroidery is created until a viewer is drawn closer and discerns the unique material choice and technique.